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Prague-Days 2 and 3

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

What an amazing weekend!! On Saturday we toured elegant Hradcany, The Royal Palace, Medieval St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica in its original 10th century condition and Golden Lane, a narrow road filled with shops. Dinner was with a special guest, Martina Stolbova, winner of an Emmy for Best Documentary film called “The Power of Good” which chronicles the beautiful story of Nicholas Winton, rescuer of Jewish Children. Nicholas Winton, listed among the “righteous” Jews, saved over 600 children by evacuating them by train to London.

On Sunday we visited Josefov, the historic Jewish Center and “The Jewish Museum,” a neighborhood surrounding five synagogues where we learned about the history of the Czech Jews and the Prague Jewish Community. We also went to the magnificent Old Town Square with its renowned Astrological Clock, and Wenceslas Square, where in November 1989, the Velvet Revolution took place and marked the end of Communism.

 We topped off the weekend with a night at the spectacular National Theatre to see “The Bartered Bride” considered to be the Czech version of “Fiddler on the Roof.”The opera is considered to have made a major contribution towards the development of Czech music. It was composed during the period 1863–66.  The National Theatre in Prague is a stunning neo-renaissance building, constructed from 1868-81. It sits proudly alongside the banks of the Vltava River, its golden roof gleaming in the sunshine on sunny days. For Czech people, the National Theatre is one of the most important cultural institutions in Prague.


..and what did you do this weekend??

Prague-Day 1

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Throughout the day today folks arrived into Prague. Now that we’re almost 40 strong, the heart of the tour is about to beginThe program began with a welcome reception and orientation followed by Shabbat Service at one of Prague’s beautiful Synagogues.   Shabbat dinner tonight was at the lovely Louvre Restaurant a historic establishment where the likes of . Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka dined. Prague is the most beautiful city in all of Europe.  On the walk home from dinner our guests were treated to an illuminated spectacle; a special and meaningful conclusion to the first day. 

Poland – Day 3

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Today the group departed Krakow  on a 9am train bound for Warsaw.

 Upon arrival, we had lunch with a guest from the Taube Foundation, an organization  supporting the ongoing revival of Jewish culture in Poland and to furthering awareness of this resurgence. 

After lunch we embarked on a sightseeing tour of Warsaw that included the former Jewish Ghetto with many inspiring monuments of World War II Nazi period, and the site of the bunker on Mila St., Mila 18 – headquarters of Warsaw Ghetto defenders and Umschlag Platz, where 300,000 Jews were deported. 

After checking into the hotel for an evening at leisure, all eyes are on the main part of our Central Europe tour beginning tomorrow, with 25 additional group members arriving into Prague.

Poland – Day 2

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Today has been a meaningful and powerful day for our group in Poland as they embarked on a tour of Jewish Krakow.   The day began with an introductory talk by Robert Gadek, the director of the Jewish Cultural Center. His talk on history of the Jews in Poland before and after World War II would prepare the group for the important touring that followed.

Today’s tour included a visit to Schindler’s Factory- recently opened as a museum to rave reviews, Kazimierz (Historic Ghetto)  and a guided tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau (see photo of the entrance to Auschwitz)

After an emotional afternoon, we lightened things up a bit to enjoy the music of our ancestors during dinner with Klezmer Music in Kasimierz.

Poland – Day 1

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Our Poland pre-tour group has arrived!  Today everyone is getting acquainted with a Walking Tour of Krakow that includes the famous Market Square (The Rynek) which has been a hub of Poland’s urban existence since 1257. Some of the great dramas of Poland’s history were played out here and Market Square remains one of the most vibrant and inspiring places in the country.

Tonight, everyone will join in a special dinner at The Wentzl,  one of Krakow’s most prestigious restaurants located in a house built in the 14th century.  Special guest speaker Rabbi Tanya Segel,  will provide an interesting prospective to Jewish life in Poland.